Best road bikes: Category-leading aero, lightweight, endurance and aluminium road bikes

Choosing the best road bike for your requirements is not as straightforward as it once was, thanks to huge advancements in material, design and manufacturing processes.

Road bikes have now branched out into many different categories and specialities, from featherweight climbers and supersonic racers, to mile-munching endurance machines and everything in between. With all this choice, making an informed decision really comes down to the type of riding you enjoy and the topography you're tackling. 

For example, the best lightweight bikes will dance up the steepest of climbs, but on fast flat or rolling terrain, you need to put in a lot more effort to keep up with the best aero road bikes. Whereas if riding long distances is more your thing, then the energy savings of an aero road bike might be tempting but the vibration absorption and comfortable ride of the best endurance road bikes might be the better choice if you plan on pushing the pedals from sunrise to sunset. Or, you might want to check out the best carbon road bikes, which can take all of these things into account.

As each manufacturer innovates to better the competition, they are producing bikes that go beyond what was ever thought possible. From adjustable compliance on aero road bikes, integration and built-in storage solutions, to road bikes that go beyond the limits of tarmac to open up even more riding possibilities - we've got you covered. Componentry such as electronic shifting, power meters and disc brakes have become common on many more bikes as well, giving an even wider set of criteria to consider.